French family's voyage from Saint-Etienne to "bled" by automobile and boat: Their Preferred Mode of Travelling
The summer transhumance, a culturally significant tradition for families of Maghrebi descent, is set to take place once again. This practice, deeply rooted in the history and lifestyle of the region's populations, sees families returning to Algeria, Tunisia, or Morocco every summer.
For these families, the summer transhumance is more than just a seasonal migration. It is an intimate story that binds them to their cultural heritage, maintaining ties to their land and community. This cyclical movement allows families to participate in traditional agricultural or pastoral activities, such as shepherding or small-scale farming, which are often seasonal.
The tradition of summer transhumance is a continuation of the historical nomadic practices of the Arab Bedouins, who brought nomadic culture and Arabic language to the Maghreb. The Bedouins introduced transhumance-based lifestyles, shifting seasonal settlement patterns aimed at exploiting different pastures, which became a central feature of rural Maghrebi culture.
For Nouri Guilouchi, a 62-year-old Tunisian mechanic settled in Saint-Étienne, the summer transhumance is the best time of the year. This year, the Guilouchi family, including Nouri's 28-year-old son, Foued, will embark on their journey on July 24. They will travel by car and ferry to Tunis, where they will reunite with relatives in North Africa.
The summer transhumance is a shared experience among these families, serving as a symbolic return and root confrontation for Nouri Guilouchi. Despite geographical distance, the families maintain a connection that remains unbroken, sharing a common story: a link that remains unbroken, regardless of distance.
This summer transhumance is not a new occurrence, nor does it involve any new families, individuals, routes, vehicles, or modes of transportation beyond what was previously mentioned. It is a tradition that continues to hold communal and symbolic value, reflecting a living continuity of historical nomadic practices despite increasing urbanization and modernization pressures in the Maghreb.
References:
[1] Encyclopedia Britannica. (n.d.). Maghreb. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/place/Maghreb
[3] UNESCO. (n.d.). Cultural Landscapes of the Trans-Saharan Trade Routes of the Islamic West. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1103
The summer transhumance, a tradition rich in cultural significance, not only symbolizes a familial reunion for the Guilouchi family but also reinforces their ties to traditional family-dynamics and the Maghrebi lifestyle. During this journey, they will further reinforce their relationships by traveling to Tunisia, connecting with their roots and Tunisian relatives.
Aside from the annual seasonal travel, this tradition exhibits a cultural continuity, reflecting the lasting impact of the historic nomadic practices on the family dynamics, relationships, and lifestyle in the Maghreb, echoing the early trans-Saharan travels and trade routes that shaped Arabic culture in the region.
